Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

A manhole is a hole that allows access to an underground or enclosed structure. These structures are typically used for maintenance and inspection of underground systems like sewers.1

A specific type of manhole is a "drop manhole," which is a shaft designed to lower sewage from a higher elevation to a lower one. This is useful in sewer systems where there's a significant change in ground level.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. manhole
  2. drop manhole

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.